Developing democracy education in Ukraine, Palestine and Norway

The threat of conflict, war and an increasing migration represent a critical global challenge. Democratic development is seen as a crucial factor for societal wellbeing and to safeguard human rights. School is considered a key actor in promoting and developing democracy as a basis for coexistence in society.

The history and the conditions for democracy within Europe and the countries at Europe’s borders aredivergent. Many countries are in constant tensions in situation of authoritarian rule, migration and in state of emergency. In Norway, democracy is considered more stable. Yet, changes and conflicts are increasingly affecting on a global level. In this project we see an urgent need for exchanging knowledge about democracy and models in school.

We have chosen two different main partner countries, Ukraine and Norway. In addition, we also find it of particular interest to include an NGO from a third state, Palestine.

This 3-year project is funded by the Eurasia program and seeks to develop democracy education in the teacher education program in Ukraine (Dragomanov State Pedagogical University and Slovjansk Pedagogical University), in Palestine (Hebron University) and in Norway (University of South-Eastern Norway). The project is lead and coordinated by Øyvind Wistrøm and Ingrid Christensen

The project has 4 workpackages:

WP1: Research on democracy conceptualisations among teacher educators and student teachers in Ukraine, Palestine and Norway. 

WP2: Action research on explorative learning and interdisciplinarity in teacher education in Ukraine

WP3: Didactical training courses on democracy in teaching: Science, social science, mathematics and philosophical dialogue. 

WP 4: Mobility between Ukraine and Norway